Yakima Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Mistakes Drivers Make That Cause Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists face significant risks on the road, largely due to the negligence of drivers in larger vehicles. If you were in a crash and believe that a driver caused it, let us know, so we can investigate the accident and look for mistakes that the driver might have made. 

Many motorcycle accidents are caused by preventable driver mistakes, such as:

• Failure to Notice Motorcycles: Drivers often claim they “didn’t see” a motorcycle because they weren’t paying enough attention, particularly at intersections or when changing lanes.
• Distracted Driving: Actions like texting, eating, or adjusting a vehicle’s controls can cause drivers to miss motorcycles on the road.
• Tailgating: Following too closely behind a motorcycle reduces a driver’s ability to react in time if the motorcyclist brakes suddenly.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol often fail to recognize or react to motorcyclists, leading to devastating consequences.
• Failing to Yield: Drivers may not give motorcyclists the right of way at intersections or when merging, causing dangerous collisions. Some of the worst motorcycle accidents happen when a driver turns left in front of an approaching motorcyclist, failing to yield the right of way.
• Sudden Lane Changes: Drivers who do not check their mirrors or blind spots risk colliding with a motorcycle that is nearby.

Why Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents Usually Require More Compensation

Compared to other types of traffic accidents, motorcycle crashes often result in much more severe injuries. Without the protection of a car’s exterior or airbags, motorcyclists are left vulnerable to life-changing collisions. By some safety group estimates, like those from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are up to 30 times more likely to be severely injured in a wreck than motorists in passenger vehicles and trucks.

Common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Even when wearing a helmet, head injuries can occur and affect a person’s cognitive and physical abilities.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring long-term care and treatment.
• Road Rash: Severe abrasion injuries may require surgery or leave permanent scars.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Arms, legs, hips, and ribs are often fractured upon impact.
• Internal Organ Damage: Collisions often cause life-threatening internal injuries that require immediate attention.

Catastrophic injuries can result in overwhelming medical costs, the loss of income during recovery, and/or a permanent inability to hold gainful employment. That’s why claims involving motorcycle injuries typically require higher compensation to address both current and future damages. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we know as much, which is why we are committed to aggressively pursuing the financial compensation you need, like all medical expenses and lost wages, as well as damages related to your pain and suffering.

How to Prove Liability in a Motorcycle Accident Claim

Proving who is responsible for a motorcycle accident is an important step for your injury claim. Compelling evidence can make a big difference when attempting to establish liability, so our attorneys work carefully to locate and use evidence of liability wherever it might be available. If necessary, we can even connect with our network of third-party experts to shed more light on the circumstances of your motorcycle accident; accident reconstruction experts, medical providers, and financial analysts might all be able to bolster your argument, for example. 

Common types of evidence used to prepare a motorcycle accident claim include:

• Police Reports: Official accident reports often provide key details about how the collision occurred and note any citations issued to the at-fault driver.
• Witness Statements: Bystanders who saw the accident can provide valuable testimony to support your version of events.
• Photos or Videos: Images from the scene or footage from traffic or dash cameras can clearly show how the accident unfolded.
• Medical Records: Your medical records link your injuries directly to the collision and demonstrate the extent of your damages.

Washington’s Helmet Law & Lane-Splitting Law

Two motorcycle-related laws in Washington might complicate your claim, including:

• Helmet Law: Washington requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. If you were not wearing one at the time of your accident, it might impact the compensation you can claim for head injuries. However, it does not eliminate your right to file a claim altogether.
• Lane-Splitting Law: Lane-splitting is not currently legal in Washington. If you were lane-splitting when the accident occurred, the defense may argue that your actions contributed to the crash. That said, comparative negligence laws in Washington mean that you can still recover compensation, even if you are found partially at fault.